Learn to play the bagpipes

It may only have nine notes, but that doesn't make a Scottish bagpipe easy to learn to play. You'll be doing yourself, and anyone within earshot, a big favor if you get some real instruction. There are so many things about the music and instrument that really can't be figured out on your own.

Neil offers individual bagpipe lessons and group tuition. His years of teaching experience and his easy going attitude make the lessons fun and informative. Neil has experience teaching people of all ages and ability levels. If you have children with no musical background, he can teach them. If you're an adult with previous musical training, he can work with you. References are available on request.

There is a centuries old tradition of one person passing piping skills on to another. You don't start on the bagpipe. You start on a practice chanter, which is like a recorder, and costs about $70. With that you learn the basic fingering technique and some easy tunes before picking up an actual bagpipe. Neil has chanters for you and will supply all the written music and exercises.

Neil is currently the instructor for the Snohomish County Firefighters Pipes and Drums and also coaches the Seattle Firefighters Pipes and Drums.

If you live in the greater Seattle area or the Eastside (Kirkland, Redmond, Bellevue, Bothell, Woodinville, etc.), and are interested in bagpipe lessons, contact Neil.